To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether Aberconwy will be given priority in his discussions regarding allocation of objective 5(b) status in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

My overriding objective for the current review of the structural funds is to both retain and extend our present geographical coverage in Wales. The omission of Aberconwy from objective 5(b) status is widely recognised as an anomaly which needs to be rectified and my predecessor drew the attention of the relevant EC Commissioners to this fact earlier this year. I propose to continue to pursue vigorously its case for future eligibility.